Discover biostatistics at the University of Sydney
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In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely for students commencing their studies in Semester 1, 2021.
This course will be available to study remotely for students commencing in Semester 1, 2021. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
Note: The University intends to offer as many units of study as possible in a remote as well as face-to-face learning method of delivery in Semester 1, 2021 and subject to ongoing border closures and public health orders impacting attendance on campus, in Semester 2, 2021. However, some units of study and courses require students to study in-person at the relevant University of Sydney campus/es and host locations for placements and will not be available remotely.
About this course
Biostatistics is the application of statistical techniques to scientific research in health-related fields, including medicine and public health.
Biostatisticians play an essential role in designing research studies, managing and analysing data, interpreting the results, as well as developing new approaches and methods to analysing data.
Biostatistics can be used to show the most effective treatment, discover or isolate factors in the spread of diseases, or determine risk factors in genetic inheritance and mutation.
At the completion of this course, you will be qualified as a professional biostatistician.
Our biostatistics programs are designed for someone who:
There are no specialisations available for this course.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission criteria’ section on this page.
We’ve relaunched our scholarships program and offer a variety of postgraduate coursework scholarships for both domestic and international students.
Continuing students enrolled in the Biostatistics Program are eligible for the Judy Simpson Biostatistics Scholarship, based on academic excellence. Check the Scholarships website or contact the Scholarships Office directly for more information.
We’ve relaunched our scholarships program and offer a variety of postgraduate coursework scholarships for both domestic and international students.
Continuing students enrolled in the Biostatistics Program are eligible for the Judy Simpson Biostatistics Scholarship, based on academic excellence. Check the Scholarships website or contact the Scholarships Office directly for more information.
Applications are made directly to the University and assessed by the Faculty.
*As part of your application you will be required to submit a completed `Student Contact, Choice of Units of Study & Credits/Waivers form for the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA).
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 11 February of the same year.
Semester 2 - 15 July of the same year.
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply. Please check the relevant website for details.
Semester 1 (March) or Semester 2 (August)
International Students are able to apply for this degree, however it is not open to ESOS visa holders. The course is open to international passport holders in Australia on working visas and for offshore students.
Overseas applicants may apply directly to the University.
*As part of your application you will be required to submit a completed `Student Contact, Choice of Units of Study & Credits/Waivers form for the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA).
As an off-shore international student, you will be studying for your degree in your own country.
It is not possible to complete these courses as an international student in Australia unless you have a work visa. Off-shore international students are not accepted directly into the Masters degree, but may apply for the Graduate Diploma. You may then upgrade to the Masters when eligible if suitable arrangements can be made for supervision of the workplace project(s).
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the same year.
Semester 2 - 30 June of the same year.
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines apply. Please check the relevant website for details.
Semester 1 (March) or Semester 2 (August)
View a suggested Biostatistics course structure (pdf, 70KB).
The biostatistics program is offered at three award levels graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master's degree. Completion of either the graduate certificate or graduate diploma programs can be used as credit towards the Master of Biostatistics degree.
The Master of Biostatistics is a three-year part-time degree, consisting of 72 credit points, including :
The biostatistics units of study are predominantly delivered online. The only units of study which are not available online are:
A complete list of available units of study with their pre-requisites and co-requisites is here.
A successful applicant for admission to the Master of Biostatistics will:
(a) hold a bachelor's degree in statistics, mathematics, science, psychology, medicine, pharmacy, economics, health sciences or other appropriate discipline from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; and
(b) have a proven aptitude for advanced mathematical work - indicated, for example, by a high level of achievement in high school or undergraduate mathematics.
Note that this course must be separately and formally assessed, and that the amount and level of statistics covered in the usual medical degree is not sufficient to meet this criterion. In exceptional circumstances the dean may admit applicants without this qualification who, in the opinion of the school, have qualifications and evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.
As part of your application you will be required to submit a completed `Student Contact, Choice of Units of Study & Credits/Waivers form for the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA), which is a supplementary form required in the admissions process. You will also need to provide a copy of your passport (or proof of residency), a copy of your bachelor degree testamur and your academic transcript.
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
The content in our biostatistics units of study are both theoretical and applied. If you prefer to study biostatistics at an applied level, you may wish to consider the following:
The program is fully accredited by the Statistical Society of Australia. Students who graduate from the program with a master’s or graduate diploma will, on joining the Statistical Society of Australia, be eligible to apply for accreditation as a graduate statistician.
The Master of Biostatistics will provide you with advanced biostatistical training ensuring that you are well placed to obtain employment in a wide range of health, pharmaceutical, university, government and non-government organisations. If you are already working as a biostatistician, then study at postgraduate level will enhance your career development opportunities.
Katrina's career timeline
| 2019 | Lecturer in Biostatistics University of Sydney |
| 2019 | Biostatistician Centre for Kidney Research, Westmead |
| 2019 | Master of Biostatistics University of Sydney |
| 2017 | Biostatistics Trainee NSW Ministry of Health |
| 2013 | Animal Care Officer University of NSW |
| 2008 | Senior Research Assistant University of Oxford |
| 2016 | Research Assistant Garvan Institute of Medical Research |
| 2002 | Bachelor of Medical Science, Honours University of Sydney |
